Home › Destinations › Love Lock Bridge
Love Lock Bridge, Việt Nam - Things to Do in Love Lock Bridge

Love Lock Bridge

travel to Love Lock Bridge, Việt Nam - Complete Travel Guide

The travel to Love Lock Bridge, officially known as Long Biên Bridge, is one of explore Hanoi's most romantic and historically significant landmarks. Built by the French between 1899-1902, this iconic steel cantilever bridge spans the Red River and has become a symbol of enduring love where couples attach padlocks as tokens of their commitment. The bridge offers stunning panoramic views of explore Hanoi's skyline and the meandering Red River, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists seeking romantic moments and Instagram-worthy photos. Beyond its romantic appeal, the travel to Love Lock Bridge serves as a living piece of Vietnamese history, having survived French colonial rule, Japanese occupation, and American bombing during the Vietnam War. Today, it stands as a testament to resilience and love, attracting photographers, history enthusiasts, and couples from around the world. The bridge is particularly magical during sunset and sunrise, when the golden light reflects off the thousands of colorful love locks that adorn its steel framework.

Top Love Lock Bridge

Attach Your Own Love Lock

Purchase a padlock from nearby vendors and attach it to the bridge's steel framework as a symbol of eternal love. Write your names and date on the lock before securing it to join thousands of others. Don't forget to throw away the key into the Red River below, following the romantic tradition.

Booking Tip: Love locks cost 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2) from street vendors near the bridge. Visit early morning (6-8 AM) or late afternoon (4-6 PM) for the best lighting and fewer crowds. Bring a permanent marker to write on your lock.

Sunset Photography Session

Capture breathtaking photos during the golden hour when the setting sun illuminates the bridge and creates stunning reflections on the Red River. The contrast between the industrial steel structure and romantic love locks creates unique photographic opportunities. Professional photographers often offer services here for couples and wedding shoots.

Booking Tip: Best sunset views occur between 5:30-6:30 PM depending on season. Hire local photographers for $30-50 for a 1-hour session. Bring a tripod for night shots and arrive 30 minutes before sunset to secure the best spots.

Historical Bridge Walk

Take a leisurely walk across the entire 1.68-kilometer length of the bridge while learning about its fascinating history spanning over 120 years. Explore the French colonial architecture and engineering marvels while enjoying panoramic views of explore Hanoi's guide to Old Quarter and modern districts. The walk offers insights into Vietnam's tumultuous past and rapid development.

Booking Tip: Free to walk across anytime, but guided historical tours cost $15-25 per person. Early morning walks (6-8 AM) offer cooler temperatures and clearer views. Wear comfortable walking shoes as the bridge surface can be uneven.

Red River Boat Tour

Experience the travel to Love Lock Bridge from below by taking a scenic boat tour along the Red River. This unique perspective allows you to see the bridge's impressive engineering and the colorful love locks from the water while enjoying views of explore Hanoi's riverfront. Many tours include traditional Vietnamese snacks and drinks onboard.

Booking Tip: Boat tours cost $10-20 per person for 45-60 minutes. Book through reputable operators at Bach Dang Wharf or Long Bien Wharf. Morning tours (8-10 AM) offer calmer waters and better visibility.

Night Market and Street Food Tour

Explore the vibrant night markets and street food stalls that have sprung up around the bridge area, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine and local handicrafts. Sample traditional dishes like pho, banh mi, and fresh spring rolls while mingling with locals. The area comes alive after dark with food vendors, souvenir shops, and live music performances.

Booking Tip: Street food costs $2-5 per dish. Join organized food tours for $25-35 per person including 6-8 food stops and a local guide. Visit between 6-9 PM when most vendors are active and food is freshest.

Getting There

The travel to Love Lock Bridge (Long Biên Bridge) is easily accessible from explore Hanoi's city center, located about 3 kilometers northeast of the guide to Old Quarter. Take a taxi or Grab ride for approximately 50,000-80,000 VND ($2-3) from central explore Hanoi, or rent a motorbike for around 150,000 VND per day. Public bus routes 03 and 47 stop near the bridge entrance for just 7,000 VND. The nearest train station is Long Biên Station, just a 5-minute walk from the bridge. If flying into Noi Bai International Airport, the bridge is about 45 minutes away by taxi or airport shuttle.

Getting Around

Walking is the best way to explore the travel to Love Lock Bridge and surrounding area, as the main attractions are concentrated within a few kilometers. Rent bicycles from nearby shops for 50,000-100,000 VND per day to explore the riverfront paths and nearby neighborhoods. Motorbike taxis (xe om) are readily available for short trips costing 20,000-40,000 VND. The area is well-connected by local buses, and Grab ride-sharing services are reliable and affordable. Many visitors combine their bridge visit with walking tours of nearby Long Biên Market and the historic French Quarter.

Where to Stay

Long Biên District
guide to Old Quarter explore Hanoi
French Quarter
Tây Hồ (discover West Lake)
Ba Đình District
Hoàn Kiếm District

Food & Dining

The area around travel to Love Lock Bridge offers an authentic taste of northern Vietnamese cuisine, with numerous street food stalls and local restaurants serving specialties like bún chả, phở bò, and bánh cuốn. Long Biên Market, just minutes from the bridge, features dozens of food vendors offering fresh ingredients and ready-to-eat meals at incredibly affordable prices. For a more upscale dining experience, head to the nearby French Quarter where colonial-era buildings house trendy cafes and restaurants serving both Vietnamese and international cuisine. Don't miss trying the famous Vietnamese coffee at riverside cafes while enjoying views of the bridge, and sample local specialties like chả cá Lã Vọng and nem rán at family-run establishments that have been serving the community for generations.

Top-Rated Restaurants in Danang

Highly-rated dining options based on Google reviews (4.5+ stars, 100+ reviews)

View all food guides →

Bếp Cuốn Đà Nẵng

4.9 /5
(13395 reviews) 2

Nhà Bếp Xưa Restaurant

4.8 /5
(7138 reviews) 1

Cô Ba Phở bò

4.8 /5
(6940 reviews) 2

Thìa Gỗ Restaurant Da Nang

4.7 /5
(6846 reviews) 1

Nhà hàng NHÀ BẾP CHỢ HÀN

4.8 /5
(5386 reviews) 2

Ăn Thôi Restaurant

4.7 /5
(4341 reviews) 2

Looking for specific cuisines?

Local Cuisine Italian Japanese Fine Dining

When to Visit

The best time to visit travel to Love Lock Bridge is during explore Hanoi's dry season from October to April, when temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. The most romantic and photogenic times are during sunrise (6:00-7:30 AM) and sunset (5:00-6:30 PM) when the lighting is optimal and temperatures are comfortable. Avoid visiting during summer months (May-September) when temperatures can exceed 35°C and heavy rains are frequent. Weekday visits are generally less crowded than weekends, and early morning visits offer the most peaceful atmosphere for couples seeking intimate moments. The bridge is particularly beautiful during explore Hanoi's brief autumn season (October-November) when clear skies provide stunning views of the city skyline.

Insider Tips

Visit during weekday mornings for the most romantic and uncrowded experience - locals use this time for exercise and the atmosphere is peaceful
Bring insect repellent during warmer months as mosquitoes can be bothersome near the river, especially during dawn and dusk hours
Combine your bridge visit with exploring Long Biên Market early in the morning to experience authentic local life and sample the freshest street food at the lowest prices

Activities in Love Lock Bridge